Title
An Exploration of High School Redesign
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ed.D)
Department
Educational Administration
Date of Award
Fall 2011
Abstract
Public high schools today are faced with the challenge of preparing a diverse student population for both post-secondary education and entering the work force. However, they are doing so under the constraints of an educational structure that was developed years ago and one that has failed to adapt to the many changes in society. Schools are criticized for their shortcomings, including academic achievement, dropout rates, and graduation rates, by businesses, politicians, private citizens, and even educators. In an effort to address these concerns and improve the educational experience of young people, some public high schools have moved away from the traditional high school structure and implemented a redesigned organization using small school and small learning community models. Both the government and private foundations have provided support and resources for these endeavors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of high school redesign efforts and determine if there is a correlation between implementing a redesign model and changes in academic achievement, dropout rates, and graduation rates. This study used non-experimental, quantitative research methods in order to examine these relationships. Data for the study were collected from the Texas Education Agency database and included scores from the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, dropout rates, and graduation rates. Correlational and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data and determine if there was a relationship between the implementation of a high school redesign model and academic achievement, dropout rates, and graduation rates. Findings of the study suggested that there was a relationship between improvements in standardized test scores and high school redesign. However, the data analysis on dropout and graduation rates did not show strong evidence of a relationship between the pre and post redesign rates and redesign.
Advisor
Wade Fish
Subject Categories
Education | Educational Administration and Supervision
Recommended Citation
Merchant, Laura E., "An Exploration of High School Redesign" (2011). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 51.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/etd/51
